BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JUNE 27TH 2013 (CUOPM) – The success of the US$1.5 million solar panel manufacturing plant on the C. A. Paul Southwell Industrial Park hinges on the training programme of the workers and the quality of the finished product, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said.

“Training, is now the number one priority of Speedtech Energy, because the productivity, the efficiency, and indeed the overall success of this important venture will hinge so assuredly on the quality of skills possessed by those who will work here, and on the efficient application of these skills,” Dr. Douglas said at the opening ceremony.

He pointed out that the workers on the industrial site have long demonstrated their outstanding sense of commitment and proficiency vis-à-vis whatever tasks are placed before them, and this particular operation will be sure to follow that now well-established path.

Dr. Douglas noted that some 15 to 20 Kittitians and Nevisians will be trained to work for starters, with production being fully operational within one month and the products will not only be sold in St. Kitts and Nevis but also throughout the region and in the Latin American market.

“In this project we achieve many objectives simultaneously: We advance our goal of becoming a green economy, we enhance the technical capabilities and expand the skill sets available here in the Federation, we provide employment, and we heighten the competitiveness of St. Kitts in the area of manufacturing – an area in which, thanks to the joint efforts of Government, the private sector, and the workers of this country, we have been able to outperform the entire OECS region – including Barbados,” said Prime Minister Douglas.

He used the opportunity to tell Taiwan’s Resident Ambassador His Excellency Miguel Tsao that the relationship between St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan) “has long proved to be one of extraordinary symbiosis.”

“And for your support and involvement where this particular project is concerned, I thank you. Mr. Chui, my Government looks forward to many years of constructive and productive collaboration with you. And Minister Martin, I thank you once again for your remarkable vision and leadership which has, once again yielded such tangible and quantifiable benefits for our Federation,” said Prime Minister Douglas, adding:

“This is a great day. And I wish many years of satisfying involvement for each and every National who will, through this facility, help to move this Federation along its most crucial path toward a truly green energy economy.”